Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer

Oamaru in Summer is simply sublime. You’re by the water so you can meander on the sea front at Kakanui, wander and sip coffee in town.  Shop, eat lunch, head to Steampunk, wander the market, visit art galleries. Should I go on? Yes, Yes I will. 

My must do’s for a perfect Summer weekend in Oamaru are vast  but I thought I’d share my favourites so you don’t have to work it out. More time for cocktails right?

Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer

The drive from Queenstown is around 3.5 hours and is a beautiful drive through Central Otago region and out towards the coast. Arrive in Oamaru ready to take on anything. 

Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Why Oamaru is the best in Spring
Why Oamaru is the best in Spring
Why Oamaru is the best in Spring

Rest your head at my picks The Vicarage (set in a renovated, you guessed it, 1901 vicarage.) Breakfast, walking distance to town and beautiful interiors. Candles, fresh breakfast, glorious fresh flowers and garden set back from the house to relax and read your book. 

Poshtel, take your pick of the rooms centred around activities and relax in their huge lounge and kitchen available to all guests. Art Gallery right on site to wander, book nooks to sit and sip your hot tea and spot all the art around the hotel from local artists. 

Steam Punk Loft with views of the beautiful cathedral and ocean. Everything you could need as a couple or solo traveller to relax, be near to walking trails and town and a kitchen with everything you could need for the your trip. 

Steam Punk HQ. Well. Wow. What a place. The most difficult place to describe but also the place you want to tell EVERYONE about. It is such a special place you have have have to visit when you’re in Oamaru.

It transcends worlds, minds and is a wonder to behold. ‘The Room’ is a IYKYK (If you know you know) and I wanted to go back in there as soon as I had left. Such an important place to visit and understand. And then realise you can never understand and nor should you. This place just ‘is’. 

Summer in Oamaru is pretty spectacular as the Public Gardens are great for getting your shoes off, taking a picnic and having a few hours with the kids outside. 

Beach walks at Kakanui which is just a 15 minute drive from central Oamaru and you can stick your feet in the sand and forget all your worries of the working week. 

The Farmers Market is every Sunday 9.30-1pm and is full fresh produce, music and beautiful local offerings. Grab an icecream from the Victorian Precinct and head to the market at the end of town with your shopping bags. 

Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Why Oamaru is the best in Spring

Talking of the precinct this street is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever encountered. You could spend the whole weekend taking photos of the amazing buildings they have there as it is Instagram worthy x 13939. There’s also shops-a-plenty to get you in the zone. 

William Bee General Merchants for everything for your family, little one, yourself. They have a huge range of gifts and special treats. 

Inc Design Store is set in a beautiful old house overlooking the ocean and has local and New Zealand made gifts and designer items including the owner Helen’s own range Tinch Design Studio. 

Rummage through the rails at Inside Out Clothing with their second hand focus. Feel so good about your love of clothes but wanting to give pieces a new home. 

There’s so many places to stare at in Oamaru. Art and craft, beer and wine. Penguin Colonies to be entranced by (if you’re lucky and the timing is right). A peaceful stroll on the beach. A coffee with friends. 

Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer

I love Summer eating out too. All the freshness of salads, icecreams, cold meats and cheeses. Cucina Restaurant and Tees Street cafe are right in the centre of town have new menus out for the warmer months.

Cocktails for those hot Summer nights and outdoor dining under the moon.
Newbie Del Mar restaurant will also be open!

Right after you’ve discovered all the hiking and biking trails you can get your hands (and bike) on!

Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer

Oamaru is a Summer wanderers delight.
Sea air, all the outdoor eating and drinking you could get amongst and a lovely small town feel.
I’ll see you for sundowners.

Cucina Restaurant 
Tees Street 
Inc. Design 
The Vicarage 
Inside Out 
Poshtel Hotel 
Steampunk 


Oamaru Businesses and I collaborated on this project. If I didn’t think you’d like them I wouldn’t write about them. 

Oamaru and visiting in Summer
Oamaru and visiting in Summer